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Home › Recipes › By Type › Desserts

Apple Cider Caramel Baked Apples

by Lindsay Cotter · 09/24/2020

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★★★★★ 4.9 from 11 reviews
baked apples in pan with caramel and nuts
baked apples in pan with caramel and nuts

Baked apple slices, hot and bubbly in naturally sweet apple cider with warm spices. Yep, this recipe makes the perfect paleo dessert or sweet breakfast treat to welcome fall!

Caramelized Apple Cider Hot Fruit Bake

Hi friends! Just letting you know this apple dessert recipe originally published a few years ago, but we’ve recently updated the recipe and added a few photos! Plus, it’s a seasonal recipe we’ve really been enjoying lately!

As I sit here typing, this very dish, a hot fruit bake with baked apple slices, is my oven. Third time making it. Yup!  And the house smells A M A Z I N G!!

I’m not lying when I say the aroma is half of the reason I make this. In fact, it’s become my go to real food “potpourri.” The smell alone makes me feel like it’s Christmas morning, which makes me happy.

Kinda like these sticky coffee cake muffins. Don’t worry, Christmas is still a wee bit away from now!

Anyway, let’s talk about the deliciousness and simplicity of this paleo dessert. Yes, I said paleo. As in paleo friendly ingredients. I’m not sure cave men knew what caramel or cider was way back then, but you get my drift. This recipe is made with REAL food.

overhead: casserole dish of cider baked apple slices

Cider baked apple slices

Fall’s favorite fruit, apples, are even sweeter when they’re baked with caramelized coconut sugar, chopped nuts, spices, and apple cider!

This dessert is a version of an old family recipe for spiced hot fruit bake. But this is paleo friendly and healthy.

And by healthy, I mean healthier, or rather, healthyish. By no means is this a superfood recipe.

But, it’s a HEALTHIER dessert, brunch, or breakfast topping option, and there are NO refined sugars.

Plus, it’s easy to make, and delicious. You can enjoy this as is, or use the baked apple slices in a tart, or as a topping for waffles, paleo pancakes, oatmeal, or ice cream.

 

INGREDIENTS + SUBSTITUTIONS

  • butter – if you want to keep it lactose-free, use vegan butter or ghee
  • coconut sugar – or you can use monk fruit sugar for low glycemic option.
  • cinnamon and nutmeg – apple pie spice or pumpkin spice are great substitutes, because both of those blends include cinnamon and nutmeg!
  • vanilla extract – if you want to add a nutty taste, almond extract is a great choice
  • maple syrup –  honey works great as well
  • sliced baking apples – I use a combination of red and green. Firmer apples like Granny Smith and Gala will hold up better. If you want more of a chunky applesauce texture, choose a softer flesh apple, like McIntosh or Golden Delicious
  • sweetened or unsweetened apple juice mixed with 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar – this combo acts as as a replacement for apple cider. Plus, the vinegar prevents the apples from turning brown
  • OPTIONAL toasted nuts – choose your favorite. Walnuts, pecans, or almonds all taste great with baked apple slices

red and green apple slices and ingredients to make baked apple slices

 

Paleo dessert recipe video:

Watch this quick video to see just how easy this sweet treat is to make.

 

There really isn’t a lot of assembly required here. In fact, this recipe is pretty darn easy to make, especially because you don’t have to peel the apples!

red and green apple slices close up

INSTRUCTIONS

  1. Wash and slice the apples.
  2. Make the apple cider caramel. This is just a matter of melting the butter in a saucepan, then stirring in the sugar, and allowing it to caramelize. Easy peasy. After that, just stir in the other ingredients and let the mixture thicken a bit.
  3. Place apple slices into casserole dish and pour syrup over them.
  4. Bake in the oven until you have hot, bubbly, caramelized apple slices!

pouring butter and sugar mixture over fresh apple slices before baking

pan of baked apple slices in caramel syrup

Heavens, yes! Sweet, tart, buttery baked fruit goodness.
Plus, the heavenly aroma. This dessert is everything that is perfect about fall…

 

Print
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pan of baked apple slices in caramel syrup

Cider Baked Apple Slices (Gluten Free + Paleo Dessert)


★★★★★

4.9 from 11 reviews

  • Author: Lindsay Cotter
  • Total Time: 1 hr 15 minutes
  • Yield: 6-8 servings 1x
  • Diet: Gluten Free
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Description

Baked apple slices, hot and bubbly in naturally sweet apple cider with warm spices. Make this paleo dessert recipe to welcome fall!


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1/2 cup butter (8 tbsp) or vegan butter/ghee for lactose free
  • 1/3 cup raw sugar or coconut sugar (see notes for less sugar option)
  • 2 tsp cinnamon
  • 1 tsp nutmeg
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2–4 tbsp maple syrup
  • 5 –6 cups (250 –260 grams or so) of sliced apples (red, green, or mixed)
  • 1/2 cup apple juice mixed with 1 tbsp Apple Cider Vinegar (this combo acts as the apple cider part)
  • optional: 1/3 cup toasted nuts topping

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 325 F. Slice your apples. Leave peel on. Place in a large bowl.
  2. In a small pot, combine the butter, maple syrup, sugar, vanilla, and spices.
  3. Bring to a soft boil and then reduce to low for 5 minutes. Just until it thickens or “caramelizes” a bit.
  4. Next pour your caramelized sugar over your apples in a bowl. Mix thorough.
  5. Place caramelized apples in a large casserole dish. Spread out evenly. Pour the apple juice/cider mix evenly on top.
  6. Sprinkle extra sugar and/or nuts if desired.
  7. Place in oven at 325 F for 1 hour, mixing apples halfway through baking.
  8. Remove from oven and serve immediately or cover, refrigerate and cool for later use.
  9. If serving later, rewarm in oven when ready.

Notes

Works well with vegan butter or ghee if you need to adjust for paleo/vegan. Great to make ahead and then reheat for serving.

Instead of nut topping, you can add in seeds or even leave without.

For lower sugar option feel free to use Monk fruit or baking stevia.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hr 5 minutes
  • Category: dessert
  • Method: baked
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size:
  • Calories: 194
  • Sugar: 20 g
  • Sodium: 3.7 mg
  • Fat: 11.8 g
  • Saturated Fat: 7.3 g
  • Carbohydrates: 23.6 g
  • Fiber: 2.1 g
  • Protein: 0.4 g
  • Cholesterol: 30.5 mg

Keywords: caramelized apples, baked apple slices, fall dessert recipe, gluten free desserts, paleo dessert

Did you make this recipe?

Tag @cottercrunch on Instagram and hashtag it #cottercrunch

caramelized-apple-cider-hot-fruit-bake-2-2

Other ways to enjoy cider baked apple slices

  • On gluten free pancakes.
  • With homemade no-churn vegan ice cream.
  • With coconut whipped cream or frosting.
  • On waffles.
  • With roasted pork or pot roast! Oh my gosh, YUM!

Tell me what you’re looking forward to making this season.

Happy Fall! Happy Baking!

Cheers,

LC

 

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Categories: Desserts, Gluten Free, Grain Free, Has Video, Vegan, Vegetarian Tags: apples

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Lindsay Cotter of Cotter Crunch

Hi, y'all, I’m Lindsay Cotter, a Nutrition Specialist with a focus on Gluten Free eating. I love creating delicious nourishing food that anyone can enjoy.

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    Recipe rating ★☆ ★☆ ★☆ ★☆ ★☆

  1. Suzy says

    10/15/2020 at 10:06 PM

    The flavors in this was out of this world! We loved it! Super way to make too!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Lindsay Cotter says

      10/20/2020 at 8:18 PM

      Glad to hear you loved it! Thanks, Suzy!

      Reply
  2. Katie says

    09/30/2020 at 9:53 AM

    This is one of those recipes that literally smells as good at is tastes! My whole house smells like fall when I make this! And you know I love using maple syrup- so it’s a win on so many levels!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
  3. Wilhelmina says

    09/28/2020 at 7:26 AM

    Made these apples for breakfast, wow, what a hit! So cozy and delicious. This is a new fall favorite!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Lindsay Cotter says

      10/02/2020 at 6:45 AM

      Yaayy! Glad these were a hit!

      Reply
  4. Toni Dash says

    09/26/2020 at 6:09 PM

    This is such a perfect way to enjoy apples!!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Lindsay Cotter says

      09/26/2020 at 7:13 PM

      Thank you!

      Reply
  5. Lauren Kelly says

    09/25/2020 at 9:28 AM

    Amazing! My house smelled incredible too. I used regular butter. I will definitely make again!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
  6. Varun Sharma says

    09/25/2020 at 3:20 AM

    Apple cider caramel baked apples looks so yummy and tasty.

    ★★★★

    Reply
  7. Emily says

    09/24/2020 at 6:19 AM

    I am learning about the paleo diet and this definitely made into my list of recipes. Thank you!

    Reply
  8. KGL Staff says

    09/24/2020 at 3:42 AM

    the best food. Also, so is food that happens after laziness. Like this. I NEED IT.
    AND, that is SO cool that you’re heading back! Can’t wait to see all the photos!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
  9. Bernard Arbogast says

    06/01/2020 at 4:11 AM

    Apples are rich in vitamins and possess vitamin E, A, B as well as C. These vitamins help keep the skin young and healthy as well as they help in the whitening of teeth.

    People make different recipe with apple like apple juice, apple cider, cake etc. I am kind of foodey and I visit youtube, blogs for new recipe.

    Thank you for this recipe, love this.

    ★★★★★

    Reply
  10. Lex K. says

    12/18/2018 at 11:12 AM

    Loved this recipe! My husband and I made in for a quick dessert after family dinner and it was a hit! Even those who aren’t as health conscience as we are loved it;) Easy and delicious. We swapped out oats for the nuts.

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Lindsay Cotter says

      12/18/2018 at 12:12 PM

      oh wonderful! good to hear lex!

      Reply
  11. Kristy from Southern In Law says

    10/05/2016 at 8:11 PM

    Ooooh, this looks amazing! I love baked apples but you’ve taken them to a whole new level of deliciousness!

    Reply
  12. The Wooden Spoon says

    10/05/2016 at 4:07 AM

    I love the addition of apple cider vinegar- this sounds awesome!

    Reply
    • Cotter Crunch says

      10/05/2016 at 7:55 AM

      yes! i think you’d love it! Cider make it a little more zesty

      Reply
  13. Emily says

    10/04/2016 at 8:40 PM

    I’m all over the apples for fall; this looks so delicious Lindsay! I actually find that I like coconut sugar, the deep rich taste of it better than regular sugar; it’s more like brown sugar for me. I love that you don’t skimp on making the Paleo baked goodies REALLY really good. All of your baked goods I’ve tried have been so delicious. Thank you for blessing people with them day after day!

    Reply
    • Cotter Crunch says

      10/05/2016 at 7:56 AM

      I’m so glad! Love that coconut sugar for the same reasons. SO rich! Enjoy the mountains friend and I really appreciate all your encouragement and support. You are a blessing!

      Reply
  14. Jody - Fit at 58 says

    10/04/2016 at 2:30 PM

    I am definitely old school;. I write notes & forget them!!!! I am old too! 🙂

    OMG this looks so amazing!!! I would sit down & eat the whole thing & yes the smells!!!!!!!!

    Reply
    • Cotter Crunch says

      10/04/2016 at 6:23 PM

      old school is the best way to go!

      Reply
  15. Meghan@CleanEatsFastFeets says

    10/04/2016 at 8:10 AM

    I made an apple crisp this weekend out of the failed remnants of another recipe creation. I didn’t hate it, although I think I would love this a little better. I’m old school too. I use a notebook and pen for all recipes. It’s dog eared and chicken scratched like crazy and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

    Reply
    • Cotter Crunch says

      10/05/2016 at 7:24 AM

      we should have had an apple party. Getting high on baked apple smell and writing in note books. Yes, that sounds awesome. LOL! Love you

      Reply
  16. Sam @ PancakeWarriors says

    10/04/2016 at 8:05 AM

    OMGGGG!! This sounds like the perfect thing to make and take with me to the gym. I’m obsessed wtih all the fall flavors! And what could be better then a warm bowl of this deliciousness after training clients for hours! Thanks for sharing!

    Reply
    • Cotter Crunch says

      10/05/2016 at 7:47 AM

      yes! refuel with real carbs. LOVE IT!

      Reply
  17. Katie says

    10/03/2016 at 5:12 PM

    Seriously… can’t get enough of your recipes!! 🙂

    Reply
  18. rachel @ athletic avocado says

    10/03/2016 at 4:47 PM

    instead of buying fall-smelling candles I’m just gonna go ahead and make this EVERY. SINGLE. DAY! But seriously, this sounds amazing 🙂

    Reply
    • Cotter Crunch says

      10/05/2016 at 7:53 AM

      I so agree Rachel!

      Reply
  19. Erin @ Erin's Inside Job says

    10/03/2016 at 3:51 PM

    Omg this look amazing. I’m so loving fall right now and hope that it sticks around before winter comes to Chicago. eek!

    Reply
    • Cotter Crunch says

      10/04/2016 at 4:06 PM

      i’m scared of you winter. LOL! dome visit me instead

      Reply
  20. Blair says

    10/03/2016 at 3:44 PM

    I can just imagine the smell! I bet this makes the entire house smell incredible!

    And yes…I’m a paper-and-pencil gal too. Love that break from the computer!

    Reply
  21. Julia Mueller says

    10/03/2016 at 10:26 AM

    There…are…no…words….!!! I want this for/alongside ever meal e’ery day! I love apple treats and this is such a beautiful recipe..simple, healthful…aaaaagh I want the whole lot of it!

    Reply
    • Cotter Crunch says

      10/03/2016 at 2:25 PM

      thanks friend! i’m pretty speechless too, cause I’m stuffin my mouth with this. LOL!

      Reply
  22. Kate @KateMovingForward says

    10/03/2016 at 9:40 AM

    Girl! This looks fantastic! I have some apple cider in my fridge, just waiting for this! Would I just use 1/2 cup instead of the ACV + apple juice? My family actually makes apple cider each year at an apple press–it is one of my favorite fall traditions!

    Reply
    • Cotter Crunch says

      10/03/2016 at 9:47 AM

      Oh lucky you! Yes, even better with the real cider. Those apples can bathe in it! Haha. Keep me posted

      Reply
  23. Shashi at RunninSrilankan says

    10/03/2016 at 7:58 AM

    Oh my! I am drooling here! The thought of the aroma this fills your house with is intoxicating indeed! Yes – I wish we could start every Monday THIS way – with ice cream! 🙂

    Reply
    • Cotter Crunch says

      10/03/2016 at 3:55 PM

      i like your thinking!

      Reply
  24. Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says

    10/03/2016 at 7:34 AM

    O that looks heavenly! A sweet must-have all season long!

    Reply
    • Cotter Crunch says

      10/03/2016 at 3:58 PM

      You know it!

      Reply
  25. Annmarie says

    10/03/2016 at 7:32 AM

    This couldn’t scream fall anymore if it tried! Looks amazing!

    Reply
    • Cotter Crunch says

      10/03/2016 at 4:13 PM

      Right? I kinda got carried away! LOL!

      Reply
  26. Megan @ Skinny Fitalicious says

    10/03/2016 at 6:16 AM

    Oh this would be perfect with some ice cream! Wishing o had this now. It’s finally starting to cool off enough for me to eat hot food again. I

    Reply
    • Cotter Crunch says

      10/03/2016 at 6:53 AM

      yay for cooler weather! our season has arrived! haha

      Reply
  27. Susle @ Suzlyfe says

    10/03/2016 at 5:53 AM

    OMG, Linds, I bet this smells absolutely incredible. Like apple cider on the stove, my favorite holiday smell. Instantly transporting!

    Reply
    • Cotter Crunch says

      10/03/2016 at 6:54 AM

      yep, totally want tho bathe in the aroma. Too much? LOL!

      Reply

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Lindsay Cotter of Cotter Crunch

Hi, y'all, I’m Lindsay Cotter, a Nutrition Specialist with a focus on Gluten Free eating. I love creating delicious nourishing food that anyone can enjoy.

About · Studio · Shop · Contact
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